Mini (stylized as MINI) is a British automotive marque, owned by BMW since 2000, and used by them for a range of small cars. The word Mini has been used in car model names since 1959, and in 1969 it became a marque in its own right when the name "Mini" replaced the separate "Austin Mini" and "Morris Mini" car model names. BMW acquired the marque in 1994 when it bought Rover Group (formerly British Leyland), which owned Mini, among other brands. The Mini logo, used since 2001, is inspired by earlier logos and features the brand name, written in uppercase letters, placed inside an elegant black circle, which is embedded between the silver wings that symbolize speed and freedom of expression. The current Mini emblem is designed in several shades of black and silver colors. While the silver color is quite popular with car manufacturers and highlights sophistication and grandeur, the black adds elegance, strength, and excellence to the logo.